Trinity unveils new state-of-the art sports complex
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Trinity’s new Sports Performance Center includes a batting cage that can be lowered into place.
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Varsity quarterback Jonah Williamson tests the traction of the new turf in the Sports Performance Center that is now available to Trinity athletes at the middle school campus.
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Trinity seventh-grader MacKenzie Decker, right, tests the lifting bench in the Sports Performance Center weight room.
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Scottlynn Hott, fourth-grader at Trinity East, shows that tumbling tricks are perfectly suited for the indoor surface at the new Sports Performance Center.
Luke Lacock readies for a pass from teammate Jonah Williamson in the new Sports Performance Center adjacent to Trinity Middle School and Hiller Stadium.
Trinity Area Superintendent Dr. Michael Lucas welcomes guests to the ribbon cutting at the Sports Performance Center on Trinity Middle School campus.
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Rows of weights await the athletes who will train in the new Sports Performance Center at Trinity Middle School.
It’s in with the new at Trinity Area School District.
The school district unveiled its Trinity Sports Complex on Monday at a ribbon cutting and dedication at the athletic complex, located at Trinity Middle School.
The addition of the 26,300-square-foot complex will provide students, teachers and coaches with state-of-the-art equipment and large spaces to train, practice, teach and exercise year-round.
“It’s exciting. It’s something that all of the kids will benefit from,” said Dr. Michael Lucas, Trinity Area School District superintendent. “Western Pennsylvania weather is so unpredictable, and weather should no longer be a problem for workouts and practices.”
The sports complex is part of the school district’s $72.3 million renovation and construction project, which includes construction of the sports complex and a new intermediate school, and a major renovation of the middle school.
The sports complex and equipment will enhance the academic curriculum by providing teachers with a larger group instructional space and enhanced physical education opportunities.
The complex includes the Sports Performance Center, a 3,600-square-foot weight room; a synthetic turf that features a baseball and softball diamond and a soccer goal box; two drop-down batting cages; a dozen state-of-the-art racks and workout stations; cardio equipment; technology screens; portable bleachers; a water bottle filler station, and other features.
Trinity High School senior Ruby Morgan, a soccer player who plans to play soccer at Eastern Kentucky University, has already worked out at the complex with Trinity sports performance coach Ryan Rizor.
“Around here, you can’t predict the weather, and the (sports complex) is a place to train and put in work whatever the weather is. It’s a very good weight room. This will give our strength and conditioning coach a place to train us harder and better,” said Morgan. “There are athletes here who want to play at the collegiate level, and it’s great to have the turf. This is a great source for any athlete who wants to get faster and stronger. I’m grateful that we have it here.”
The sports complex will be used for a variety of activities, ranging from drone obstacle courses, band practice and intramural activities to a space for students to relax and socialize.
“This school board and administrators prioritize health and wellness, mental and physical health, and the sports complex reflects our commitment to that,” said Lucas.
Senior Braeden Helmkamp, who will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after graduation, plays baseball and football at Trinity High School.
“Last year’s baseball season, we were not able to get outside a lot because of rain and inclement weather. Now, no matter what sport you’re in, you are able to train year-round. If it’s raining or it’s too cold or too hot, you can have a productive workout,” said Helmkamp.
Helmkamp’s favorite part of the sports complex is the weight room.
“It’s one of the best weight rooms I’ve ever been in. It’s top-quality, top-of-the line stuff,” said Helmkamp. “I’m just sad I won’t be able to use it as long as other kids will.”
The architectural and design firm DRAW Collective designed the sports complex.
The school district is hosting an open house from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 7 for the community to tour the facility.